Night-time secrets: What happens when students sneak out

Latwell Nyangu-Youth Interactive Writer

The best yardstick for our progress is not other people, but ourselves, and students must be taught how to think, not what to think. 

A set of problems and difficulties might arise if you fail to plan. 

 Of course, students should do what is right for them, but sadly most of them are breaking the cardinal rule of ambition. 

Like what I always say, I do not travel to distant planets to get what I write here; I write what I see. 

 Every student should ask themselves the “why” and “what” questions. 

Yet, it seems most good advice falls on deaf ears. The problem arises when they act without questioning themselves. 

 Certainly, a big part of freedom in college is owning your time and choices. 

Life at college is not black and white; it fuels your desire to navigate grey areas, finding answers to life.

 At college, everything seems to happen at once.

 It may be the first time you do not have a schedule or a parent telling you what you can or cannot do, trying to make friends and have new adventures. 

 At this stage, most students focus on social life rather than academics.

 Unlike in high school, where associations with the opposite gender are limited, in college, such connections are often celebrated. 

 College usually unleashes a more adventurous side, but I always preach about the need to be responsible. 

Do what you can, but act wisely. For many, college will be a time to chase dreams; for others, it will be a time to explore. 

Yet, some students sneak out of their hostels to sleep with men who are their fathers’ ages. 

That act should be condemned. 

Sadly, those sneaking out at night are often the same students whose parents anticipate their success.

 Truth be told, we cannot beautify a frog with lipstick; what is wrong is wrong. 

 The lifestyles of some students at college are troubling. Writing this today does not mean I have not witnessed this. 

This week, I am agitated by female students using their nights to visit older lovers for monetary gains or adventure. 

 Yes, they say, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” but I feel compelled to speak out. 

Someone asked me, “Vanorooreka here vana ava?” (Are they marriage material?), shocked at what he had seen. God created day and night for different purposes.

 Some work during the day while others work at night, but it is generally understood that most people rest during the night. 

 However, some students are not studying at night; instead, they are spending quality time with lovers away from college.

 Every morning, they return to campus. It is sad that some students channel their energy into the wrong things, often at the expense of those who pay their fees.

 Last week, I was on my way to a university to emancipate myself academically.

 I decided to use one of the local taxis (where you use an app to order a drive) since I was running late. During the ride, I engaged the driver in conversation, and he shared alarming insights. 

He told me how some female students sneak out of their rooms to visit “real men.” 

 The driver was perplexed by behaviours of some female students who frequently visit older men outside campus. He recounted how he ferries these girls to various locations, including hotels—all done by night. Interestingly, the girls are not seeing younger boyfriends but older men, akin to their fathers. 

I acted clueless to gather more details. He further stated that early in the morning, he’s called by regular clients to return them to college. 

These girls have connived with security personnel to facilitate their late-night outings. Most campuses have recently banned certain taxis from entering after 6 PM due to issues with “blessers.” 

To navigate this, students bribe security to allow their late-night exits. 

 What happens outside the campus during the night remains largely unknown, but the night riders are making waves. 

Their unsuspecting parents would be sleeping, assuming their children would be resting after busy academic routines, yet they will be out gallivanting the whole night. 

While I won’t single out female students, many male students are also caught offside. 

There are those who use the night for non-academic activities. 

 Throughout, I have written what I see and hear, but the sad reality is that these same students appear well-behaved by day, much like witches.

 In many universities, hostel life is filled with camaraderie, late-night study sessions, and shared meals.

 Yet, there are moments of rebellion and adventure that can lead to regrets.

 One such tale revolves around some female students sneaking out of their hostel by night. 

 Until we meet again for a toast.

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